Effects of relative humidity and yield on self-induced rainout from tactical nuclear explosions

Article Abstract:

We have studied the process of wet fallout from a tactical nuclear explosion due to scavenging of radioactivity by self-induced rain (rain produced by the explosion itself) using a numerical two-dimensional model of an axisymmetric cloud. Under mid-latitude summertime conditions and for yields of 20 to 100 kilotons, the model shows that self-induced rainout is not significant for low relative humidities, is very important for high relative humidities (> 80%) and is moderately important for relative humidities down to about 50%. When self-induced rainout occurs, it is heavy within a couple of kilometers of ground zero and peaks early in the episode. The model has successfully predicted observed radioactive self-induced rainout for the Hiroshima and Nagasaki detonations (both in the 20 kiloton range), and does not predict rain under conditions typical of U.S. tests in Nevada, where self-induced rainout has not been observed. The model is interesting as a hybrid of Eulerian and Lagrangian methods. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Nuclear weapons, Meteorology

---

On choices between the two-fluid and the mixture models for simulation of severe transients in nuclear power plants

Article Abstract:

Severe transients, such as that occurring at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in 1979, can cause serious accidents, but the accident at Three Mile Island was due in part to the use of an operator training simulator that could not deal with a notion of a water-filled pressurizer in conjunction with vapor in the reactor core. Since then, simulator vendors have tried to base their simulators on the laws of nature, but our knowledge of these complex laws is incomplete. The Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) were developed in the aftermath of the Three Mile Island accident based on a set of observed symptoms rather than assumed or predicted events. The EOPs specify the required operator actions for many situations, which lessens the impact of operator mistraining. Modeling trends for thermohydraulics in current and planned simulators are examined, and a case is made for application of simpler, mixture-based models.

Systems analysis, Hydraulics, Modeling, Data modeling software, System Design, Training of Employees, Enhancements, Operators Consoles

---

DATATRAN: A Data Base Management and Executive Program for Use by the Nuclear Industry

Article Abstract:

The DATATRAN data base and executive program is currently under development by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPR) for use and application by the nuclear utility industry. Since 1966, the computer code system has been under development and has been extensively used by the Naval Reactors Program. DATATRAN is being developed for use in a large number of general applications, including: (1) storage of experimental and plant transient data in hierarchical data set form, (2) automatically linking data sets between computer codes, and (3) acting as a program executive in executing series of computer codes while maintaining organization of the data between all the codes. Various potential uses of the DATATRAN system, specific applications, and future research and development plans are reviewed in this paper. (Reprinted by Permission of Publisher.)

DBMS software, Databases, DBMS, Database, Experimental Standards, Applications

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Internationalizing R and D improves a firm's technical learning. Building a culture for innovation
• Abstracts: Product reliability considerations empower quality professionals. Uncertain future looms for MEP
• Abstracts: Efficiency drive. Free advice for designers. Energy efficiency - it's not that hard
• Abstracts: Students Fly Space Shuttle with an Atari VCS. Space Tomorrow: The Antarctica Model. Who Owns What? Earth Law for Space
• Abstracts: Modeling and simulation in support of Navy operational test and evaluation. On simulation modeling for FMS

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.